Attorney General Eric Holder announced new pilot programs aimed at combating the threat of terrorism from groups like ISIS, stressing the need for openness and inclusion in the process.
“Today, few threats are more urgent than the threat posed by violent extremism,” Holder said in a video message. “And with the emergence of groups like ISIL, and the knowledge that some Americans are attempting to travel to countries like Syria and Iraq to take part in ongoing conflicts, the Justice Department is responding appropriately.”
In his video message, Holder highlighted the Justice Department’s partnership with the White House, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Counterterrorism Center to launch new pilot programs to bring law enforcement, religious leaders, and community representatives together to form community partnerships to counter extremism and “build a broad network of community partnerships to keep our nation safe.”
Holder announced the White House will also be holding a Countering Violent Extremism summit in October and stressed that the new programs will allow for more inclusivity.
“Ultimately, the pilot programs will enable us to develop more effective – and more inclusive – ways to help build the more just, secure, and free society that all Americans deserve,” he said. “As we move forward together, our work must continue to be guided by the core democratic values – and the ideals of freedom, openness, and inclusion – that have always set this nation apart on the world stage.”
“We must be both innovative and aggressive in countering violent extremism and combating those who would sow intolerance, division, and hate – not just within our borders, but with our international partners on a global scale,” he continued. “And we must never lose sight of what violent extremists fear the most: the strength of our communities; our unwavering respect for equality, civil rights, and civil liberties; and our enduring commitment to justice, democracy, and the rule of law.”